By JR Robinson

Memphis, get ready to have your expectations shattered. For twenty-five years, the Toyota Highlander has been the quiet hero of the Mid-South—the reliable carpool captain, the holiday road-trip warrior, and the backbone of the Memphis family driveway. But for 2027, the Highlander has decided it’s done playing it safe. It’s gone full-electric, it’s gone high-tech, and it’s coming to Principle Toyota with a chip on its shoulder.

The Power of the South

Let’s talk about the "soul" of this machine. We aren't just looking at a Japanese icon; we’re looking at a Southern powerhouse. The 2027 Highlander is Toyota’s first three-row BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) assembled right here in Georgetown, Kentucky, with battery modules sourced from their massive new plant in North Carolina. When you pull onto Poplar Avenue in this SUV, you aren't just driving the future; you're driving American-made innovation.

Performance That Bites

Gone are the days of the "practical" engine drone. The 2027 Highlander AWD (available in XLE and standard on Limited) is a torque monster. We are talking about 338 combined system horsepower and 323 lb.-ft. of instant torque. If you’ve never felt an EV launch, prepare yourself. Merging onto I-240 or finding a gap in traffic on Germantown Parkway is no longer a chore—it’s a thrill.

For the range-conscious, Toyota has answered the call. The 95.8-kWh battery delivers a 320-mile manufacturer-estimated range. That’s Memphis to Nashville and back on a single charge with room to spare. And when you do need a "refuel," the standard North American Charging System (NACS) port gives you access to thousands of DC Fast Chargers. Under ideal conditions, you’ll go from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes—barely enough time to grab a rack of ribs at Central BBQ.

A Cabin Designed for the 901

Step inside, and you’ll realize the "Highlander" name now stands for luxury. The "Best Experience Vehicle" design philosophy means every inch of the interior is optimized.

• The View: The available fixed glass panoramic roof is the largest Toyota has ever built. It turns every night drive through the Memphis neon into a cinematic experience.

• The Tech: A standard 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen powered by AT&T 5G. It’s faster than your smartphone, featuring "Hey Toyota" voice commands that actually work.

• The Versatility: 45.6 cubic feet of storage with the third row flat. That’s enough space for the whole family’s gear, the cooler for the Tigers game, and a massive grocery haul from Kroger.

   

The "Hand Up" Technology

In a city that knows the value of community, the Highlander’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology is a game-changer. This car isn't just a mode of transport; it’s a mobile power plant. Whether you’re powering a TV for a Tigers tailgate or using the car as a backup power source during a Mid-South storm, the Highlander is there to give you a "hand up" when you need it most.

The 2027 Highlander is more than a vehicle; it’s a statement that Memphis’s best days are ahead. Come see the team at Principle Toyota and witness the future of the family SUV.